Elizabeth of York: A Tudor Queen and Her World by Alison Weir

Elizabeth of York: A Tudor Queen and Her World by Alison Weir - 608 pages

Sadly, Elizabeth of York is most remembered as the Queen of Henry VII and mother of Henry VIII.  It is forgotten that she lived a eventful life herself and that her husband and their issue owe their legitimacy on the throne to her. After her father's death, her brother had a short-lived reign before her uncle disposed of him and her other brother and crowned himself Richard III, thus placing Elizabeth and her female relatives lives in danger.  Eventually, her distant relative Henry Tudor, who had been exiled to France, returned with an invasion force and disposed of Richard III.  He crowned himself Henry VII and marries Elizabeth, bringing stability to England.  Throughout the book, we see Elizabeth was extremely dedicated to her family.

I found Elizabeth of York to be a fast-paced, well-written biography added vivid descriptions of life in the era.  In all, it is a book that can be appreciated by the causal reader and academics alike.

Just a note, this is another Goodreads advanced copy I received.  The book is scheduled to be released on December 3, 2013.  Enjoy the preview!